So did he expect a good night's sleep Thursday night? "To go by the last month, no because management does bring lots of different issues," said Lampard.

"You do wake up in the night sometimes and very quickly you are thinking about tactics and players. That has been the case, but I am very, very happy to be in this role and that comes with the territory."

Being a manager rather than one of the players is different, but big occasions and pressure are nothing new to Lampard.

Nor is being in the spotlight, as he will be tonight, and this season.

Speaking to Lampard and listening to him you can hear the same determination that drove him on as a player.

"I feel the pressure of wanting to get off to a good start, but I know it is not that simple. We will only get the start we deserve in terms of how we play in these opening games," he said.

"I am not short-sighted about it, it might not go perfectly in the beginning but we are working towards success here hopefully over a period of time.

"I obviously hope we start well, but the reality is we have to be ready if we don't and keep going because I have a real belief in this squad."